A straightforward methodology to overcome solubility challenges for N-terminal cysteinyl peptide segments used in native chemical ligation

One of the main limitations encountered during the chemical synthesis of proteins through native chemical ligation (NCL) is the limited solubility of some of the peptide segments. The most commonly used solution to overcome this problem is to derivatize the segment with a temporary solubilizing tag. Conveniently, the tag can be introduced on the thioester segment in such a way that it is removed concomitantly with the NCL reaction. We herein describe a generalization of this approach to N-terminal cysteinyl segment counterparts, using a straightforward synthetic approach that can be easily automated from commercially available building blocks, and applied it to a well-known problematic target, SUMO-2.

We herein describe a straightforward approach for the introduction of a solubilizing tag on N-terminal cysteinyl segments used in native chemical ligation-based protein chemical synthesis. Conveniently, the tag is removed during the ligation.     

Extensively Conjugated Dianionic Tetrathiooxalate-Bridged Copper(II) Complexes for Synthetic Metals

Using a unique three-solvent biphasic method, we have prepared and characterized three new fully conjugated, chalcogen-rich, bridged copper(II) complexes for the preparation of molecular conductors and magnetic materials, having the general formula (Bu(4)N)(2){tto[Cu(L)](2)} (tto = C(2)S(4)(2)(-) = tetrathiooxalato; L = mnt = C(4)N(2)S(2)(2)(-) = 1,2-dicyanoethene-1,2-dithiolato for complex 2, dsit = C(3)Se(2)S(3)(2)(-) = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-diselenolato for complex 3, dmid = C(3)OS(4)(2)(-) = 2-oxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato for complex 4a). The single-crystal X-ray structures of 2 and 3 have been determined: 2, (Bu(4)N)(2){tto[Cu(mnt)](2)}, monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 19.549(4) ?, b = 13.519(3) ?, c = 10.162(2) ?, beta = 90.33(1) degrees, Z = 2; 3, (Bu(4)N)(2){tto[Cu(dsit)](2)}, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 9.903(1) ?, b = 15.589(1) ?, c = 18.218(1) ?, beta = 90.40(1) degrees, Z = 2. Complex 2 displays perfect planarity, while 3 shows a slight tetrahedral distortion at the metal centers, resulting in a dihedral angle of 24.86(3) degrees. Cyclic voltammetry of (Bu(4)N)(2){tto[Cu(mnt)](2)} (2), (Bu(4)N)(2){tto[Cu(dsit)](2)} (3), and (Bu(4)N)(2){tto[Cu(dmid)](2)} (4a) shows each complex to exhibit two reversible redox processes which can be attributed to {tto[Cu(L)](2)}(2)(-) right arrow over left arrow tto[Cu(L)](2)}(-) and {tto[Cu(L)](2)}(1)(-) right arrow over left arrow {tto[Cu(L)](2)}(0) couples. The structural and electronic properties of 2, 3, and 4a will be compared to those of the recently communicated analogous complex (Bu(4)N)(2){tto[Cu(dmit)](2)} (1).     

Symmetric and asymmetric dinuclear manganese(IV) complexes possessing a [MnIV2(mu-O)2(muO2CMe)]3+ core and terminal Cl- ligands

The synthesis of new dinuclear manganese(IV) complexes possessing the [Mn(IV)(2)(mu-O)(2)(mu-O(2)CMe)](3+) core and containing halide ions as terminal ligands is reported. [Mn(2)O(2)(O(2)CMe)Cl(2)(bpy)(2)](2)[MnCl(4)] (1; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) was prepared by sequential addition of [MnCl(3)(bpy)(H(2)O)] and (NBzEt(3))(2)[MnCl(4)] to a CH(2)Cl(2) solution of [Mn(3)O(4)(O(2)CMe)(4)(bpy)(2)]. The complex [Mn(IV)(2)O(2)(O(2)CMe)Cl(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)](NO(3))(2) (2) was obtained from a water/acetic acid solution of MnCl(2).4H(2)O, bpy, and (NH(4))(2)[Ce(NO(3))(6)], whereas the [Mn(IV)(2)O(2)(O(2)CR)X(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2) [X = Cl(-) and R = Me (3), Et (5), or C(2)H(4)Cl (6); and X = F(-), R = Me (4)] were prepared by a slightly modified procedure that includes the addition of HClO(4). For the preparation of 4, MnF(2) was employed instead of MnCl(2).4H(2)O. [Mn(2)O(2)(O(2)CMe)Cl(2)(bpy)(2)](2)[MnCl(4)].2CH(2)Cl(2) (1.2CH(2)Cl(2)) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 21.756(2) A, b = 12.0587(7) A, c = 26.192(2) A, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 111.443(2) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, V = 6395.8(6) A(3), and Z = 4. [Mn(2)O(2)(O(2)CMe)Cl(H(2)O)(bpy)(2)](NO(3))(2).H(2)O (2.H(2)O) crystallizes in the triclinic space group Ponemacr; with a = 11.907(2) A, b = 12.376(2) A, c = 10.986(2) A, alpha = 108.24(1) degrees, beta = 105.85(2) degrees, gamma = 106.57(1) degrees, V = 1351.98(2) A(3), and Z = 2. [Mn(2)O(2)(O(2)CMe)Cl(H(2)O)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4))(2).MeCN (3.MeCN) crystallizes in the triclinic space group Ponemacr; with a = 11.7817(7) A, b = 12.2400(7) A, c = 13.1672(7) A, alpha = 65.537(2) degrees, beta = 67.407(2) degrees, gamma = 88.638(2) degrees, V = 1574.9(2) A(3), and Z = 2. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of 1 exhibits two processes, an irreversible oxidation of the [MnCl(4)](2)(-) at E(1/2) approximately 0.69 V vs ferrocene and a reversible reduction at E(1/2) = 0.30 V assigned to the [Mn(2)O(2)(O(2)CMe)Cl(2)(bpy)(2)](+/0) couple (2Mn(IV) to Mn(IV)Mn(III)). In contrast, the CVs of 2 and 3 show only irreversible reduction features. Solid-state magnetic susceptibility (chi(M)) data were collected for complexes 1.1.5H(2)O, 2.H(2)O, and 3.H(2)O in the temperature range 2.00-300 K. The resulting data were fit to the theoretical chi(M)T vs T expression for a Mn(IV)(2) complex derived by use of the isotropic Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian (H = -2JS(1)S(2)) and the Van Vleck equation. The obtained fit parameters were (in the format J/g) -45.0(4) cm(-)(1)/2.00(2), -36.6(4) cm(-)(1)/1.97(1), and -39.3(4) cm(-)(1)/1.92(1), respectively, where J is the exchange interaction parameter between the two Mn(IV) ions. Thus, all three complexes are antiferromagnetically coupled.     

New polynuclear manganese clusters from the use of the hydrophobic carboxylate ligand 2,2-dimethylbutyrate

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties are reported of [Mn12O12(O2CPe(t))16(MeOH)4] (4), [Mn6O2(O2CH2)(O2CPe(t))11(HO2CPe(t))2(O2CMe)] (5), [Mn9O6(OH)(CO3)(O2CPe(t))12(H2O)2] (6), and [Mn4O2(O2CPe(t))6(bpy)2] (7, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), where Pe(t) = tert-pentyl (Pe(t)CO2H = 2,2-dimethylbutyric acid). These complexes were all prepared from reactions of [Mn12O12(O2CPe(t))16(H2O)4] (3) in CH2Cl2. Complex 4 x 2MeCN crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 and contains a central [Mn(IV)4O4] cubane core that is surrounded by a nonplanar ring of eight alternating Mn(III) and eight mu3-O(2-) ions. This is only the third Mn12 complex in which the four bound water molecules have been replaced by other ligands, in this case MeOH. Complex 5 x (1/2)CH2Cl2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c and contains two [Mn3(mu3-O)]7+ units linked at two of their apexes by two Pe(t)CO2(-) ligands and one mu4-CH2O2(2-) bridge. The complex is a new structural type in Mn chemistry, and also contains only the third example of a gem-diolate unit bridging four metal ions. Complex 6 x H2O x Pe(t)CO2H crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmc2(1) and possesses a [Mn(III)9(mu3-O)6(mu-OH)(mu3-CO3)]12+ core. The molecule contains a mu3-CO3(2-) ion, the first example in a discrete Mn complex. Complex 7 x 2H2O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c and contains a known [Mn(III)2Mn(II)2(mu3-O)2]6+ core that can be considered as two edge-sharing, triangular [Mn3O] units. Additionally, the synthesis and magnetic properties of a new enneanuclear cluster of formula [Mn9O7(O2CCH2Bu(t))13(THF)2] (8, THF = tetrahydrofuran) are reported. The molecule was obtained by the reaction of [Mn12O12(O2CCH2Bu(t))16(H2O)4] (2) with THF. Complexes 2 and 4 display quasireversible redox couples when examined by cyclic voltammetry in CH2Cl2; oxidations are observed at -0.07 V (2) and -0.21 V (4) vs ferrocene. The magnetic properties of complexes 4-8 have been studied by direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility techniques. The ground-state spin of 4 was established by magnetization measurements in the 1.80-4.00 K and 0.5-7 T ranges. Fitting of the reduced magnetization data by full matrix diagonalization, incorporating a full powder average and including only axial anisotropy, gave S = 10, g = 2.0(1), and D = -0.39(10) cm(-1). The complex exhibits two frequency-dependent out-of-phase AC susceptibility signals (chi(M)') indicative of slow magnetization relaxation. An Arrhenius plot obtained from chi(M)' vs T data gave an effective energy barrier to relaxation (U(eff)) of 62 and 35 K for the slower and faster relaxing species, respectively. These studies suggest that complex 4 is a single-molecule magnet (SMM). DC susceptibility studies on complexes 5-8 display overall antiferromagnetic behavior and indicate ground-state spin values of S < or = 2. AC susceptibility studies at < 10 K confirm these small values and indicate the population of low-lying excited states even at these low temperatures. This supports the small ground-state spin values to be due to spin frustration effects.     

Sodium hydrogen dipicolinate dipicolinic acid trihydrate: Synthesis,structure, and valence bond sums

The synthesis and crystal structure of sodium hydrogen dipicolinate dipicolinic acid trihydrate, NaHdipic · H₂dipic · 3H₂O,I, is reported. There is a hydrogen bonded H₃(dipic)₂ ^– unit in which an Hdipic^– ion functions as a tridentate chelate to the Na⁺ ion while the second H₂dipic functions as a monodentate ligand and bridging unit. The Na⁺ ion is in the center of a pentagonal bipyramid with two water molecules in the axial positions. The equatorial plane is composed of an Hdipic^– ion, a water molecule and an oxygen from the H₂dipic. An analysis of data in the Cambridge Structural Database for Na⁺ compounds using Valence Bond Sums has produced newr ₀ values of 1.743 for Na–O and 1.891 for Na–N.     

Two concomitant polymorphs of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrakis(phenylethynyl)-1,1′-[2,2,2,-trifluoro- 1-(trifluromethyl)ethanediyl]bisbenzene

A representative compound of bis-ortho-diynyl arene (BODA), with a general formula [(m,p)R₂–Ph]₂ –X, where R: –C≡C–Ph and X: >C(CF₃)₂ has been structurally characterized. The compound is being investigated as a monomer for high-performance polyarylene networks and glassy carbon precursors. The bis(trifluoromethyl) derivative crystallizes in two concomitant polymorphic forms. The two polymorphs form a monotropic system with melting points of 436 and 463 K. The metastable form yields monoclinic crystals (P2₁/n, Z=4). a=12.677(3) ?, b=11.677(2) ?, c=24.026(5) ?, β=93.79(3)°. The thermodynamically stable form is monoclinic as well (P2₁/c, Z=8), a=10.7983(6) ?, b=30.628(2) ?, c=21.648(1) ?, β=94.737(1)° with small voids indicating less efficient packing. The two polymorphs contain different conformers of the rotationally flexible molecule.     

Alicyclic-Amine-Derived Imine-BF3 Complexes: Easy-to-Make Building Blocks for the Synthesis of Valuable α-Functionalized Azacycles

A new strategy to access α-functionalized alicyclic amines via their corresponding imine-BF₃ complexes is reported. Isolable imine-BF₃ complexes, readily prepared via dehydrohalogenation of N-bromoamines in a base-promoted/18-crown-6 catalyzed process followed by addition of boron trifluoride etherate, undergo reactions with a wide range of organometallic nucleophiles to afford α-functionalized azacycles. Organozinc and organomagnesium nucleophiles add at ambient temperatures, obviating the need for cryogenic conditions. In situ preparation of imine-BF₃ complexes provides access to α-functionalized morpholines and piperazines directly from their parent amines in a single operation. α-Functionalized morpholines can be elaborated further, for instance by installing a second substituent in the α′-position.     

[Ni(terpy)(H2O)]‐trans‐[Ni‐(μ‐CN)2‐(CN)2]n,a one‐dimensional linear tetra­cyano­nickelate chain

The one‐dimensional chain catena‐poly­[[aqua(2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridyl‐κ³N)­nickel(II)]‐μ‐cyano‐κ²N:C‐[bis­(cyano‐κC)nickelate(II)]‐μ‐cyano‐κ²C:N], [Ni(terpy)(H₂O)]‐trans‐[Ni‐μ‐(CN)₂‐(CN)₂]_n or [Ni₂­(CN)₄­(C₁₅H₁₁N₃)(H₂O)], consists of infinite linear chains along the crystallographic [10] direction. The chains are composed of two distinct types of nickel ions, paramagnetic octahedral [Ni(terpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ cations (with twofold crystallographic symmetry) and diamagnetic planar [Ni(CN)₄]^2? anions (with the Ni atom on an inversion center). The [Ni(CN)₄]^2? units act as bidentate ligands bridging through two trans cyano groups thus giving rise to a new example of a trans–trans chain among planar tetra­cyano­nickelate complexes. The coordination geometry of the planar nickel unit is typical of slightly distorted octahedral nickel(II) complexes, but for the [Ni(CN)₄]^2? units, the geometry deviates from a planar configuration due to steric interactions with the ter­pyridine ligands.